Collie to Donnybrook race gears up

Ready to pedal: Collie Cycle Club president Alf Mason is ready for this year's Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic. Photo: Shannon Wood.

The annual Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic is gearing up for another year of pedal-pushing action.

This year will mark the 92nd edition of the race which will see about 200 riders take to the road from Collie to Donnybrook and return.

Last year’s classic saw a total of 211 entrants from across the state, with 40 people competing in the participation ride.

Collie Cycle Club Secretary/Treasurer Jamie Moloney said the number of participants has been increasing.

“In 2012 we had 87 riders nominate in the Collie to donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic. This year we are expecting 200 - 210 riders to nominate,” he said.

“The numbers have increased dramatically since the Collie Community Bank has become our sponsor.

“The valuable sponsorship from the Collie Community Bank cannot be underestimated. As mentioned numbers have increased to over 200 for the Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic alone.

“When you factor in the U/17’s, U/15’s and the participation ride we are looking at close to 300 riders.

“Add to this supporters and spectators and we have a massive influx of people to Collie.”

Mr Maloney said the race provided a chance for spectators to witness top-level cyclists in action. “The days events will provide the local community with the opportunity to witness top level cyclists in action and provide spectators with some exciting racing,” he said.

“This influx of both competitors and spectators provides an economic and tourism benefit to the town.

“Local businesses are very appreciative of the increase in their trade and there are many social and economic benefits to the Shire of Collie.

“Increased visitation will show case recent developments and improvements to the town and enhance the perception of Collie as an exciting and attractive place to visit.”

The Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic 104 kilometre race is open to everyone aged 17 and above.

There is also a participation ride for ages 10 and above and ages 13 and under must be chaperoned.

The Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic will be held on Saturday August 19.

Street markets will be held at the event from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

For more information go to the Collie Cycle Club website www.colliecycleclub.org.au or email colliecycleclub@bigpond.com.

You can also follow the Collie Cycle Club on Facebook- www.facebook.com/colliecycleclub/